The Statue of Liberty could go dark if the U.S. power grid is ever attacked and crippled. A simulated blackout drill will be held nationwide on Nov. 12-13.

Written by

William Petroski
USA Today

As worries increase about the vulnerability of the nation's power grid, Iowa's largest electric utilities will participate next week in a closely watched simulation of a knockout blow to the United States' electrical supply by cybersabotage and physical attacks.

Officials with MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy confirmed they will be involved in GridEx II on Nov. 12-13. The event is sponsored by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., a nonprofit entity whose mission is to ensure the reliability of the bulk power system in North America.